Ceasefire talks between Cambodia and Thailand were underway in Malaysia on Monday after days of deadly clashes on their disputed border sent civilians scrambling for safety and relations between the two neighbors cratering.

Thailand has requested Cambodia to move a bilateral meeting of senior security officials next week - considered crucial to de-escalating border tensions following deadly clashes - from Phnom Penh to a neutral location.

First came a push from the Malaysian premier, then China reached out, but it was only after President Donald Trump called Thailand's leader last week that Bangkok agreed to talks with Cambodia to end an escalating military conflict.